Plasterboard Recycling & Disposal

What does the legislation say about plasterboard disposal?

In 2009, the Environmental Agency passed legislation that gypsum based materials, such as plasterboard, must not be land-filled and that they should be separated for recovery and recycling. The legislation applies whether you are an individual or large scale business.

Plasterboard disposal for Domestic Householders

For individuals the legislation means you’re required to separate and segregate plasterboard from other waste before heading to your local tip. Alternatively, use a licensed waste carrier like HIPPO (carry on reading to learn how HIPPOBAGs are the perfect solution for recycling plasterboard).

Most local household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) offer plasterboard disposal and recycling but may have restrictions and possibly even charges in place. Check out our useful Tip Charge Checker to see if charges apply in your area.

Plasterboard disposal for businesses

As a business producing large volumes of plasterboard waste, you have a duty of care to keep this waste stream segregated and dispose of it responsibly, or you’ll potentially face fines from the Environment Agency.

Your options for disposal include finding a local plasterboard recycling centre or passing the waste on to a licensed waste carrier, permitted to collect plasterboard.

HIPPO’s plasterboard recycling scheme offers quick and cost effective collection of gypsum. For no more than the cost of a HIPPOBAG full of mixed waste, you can be reassured that HIPPO’s plasterboard recycling scheme provides you with an effective and efficient collection of gypsum.  If you are producing gypsum waste from commercial projects and have larger volumes, contact us to find out what discounts are available – based on 10 MIDIBAGs collected from a single location, this could be as little as £35* per bag.

HIPPOBAGs for plasterboard recycling

If you’ve ever wondered “Can you put plasterboard in a HIPPOBAG?” you’re not alone – it’s a frequently asked question.

HIPPO can collect plasterboard for recycling as long as it is kept clean and segregated (bagged or wrapped) from other waste - this is important because when plasterboard/gypsum is mixed with other waste it degrades into powder that is difficult to separate back out in the waste recovery process. Bags containing plasterboard mixed with other waste cannot be collected.

We can collect the following gypsum-based products for recycling:

• Plasterboard including gypsum fibreboard
• Cove
• Gypsum-based ceiling tiles
• Glasroc
• Artex decorative plaster mouldings

Our service allows you to easily dispose of gypsum-based materials/products safe in the knowledge that 100% of the recovered gypsum will be recycled whilst complying with Environment Agency regulations.

FAQS

Is plasterboard hazardous waste?

Plasterboard is not classed as hazardous waste, however, it is banned from being dumped in general waste landfill sites in the UK.

Plasterboard contains gypsum which when mixed with general waste reacts to create a toxic hydrogen ide gas.

Gypsum materials, such as plasterboard, should be separated from general waste and recycled or disposed of safely.

How do I dispose of unused plasterboard?

Many local household waste recycling centres will accept and dispose of plasterboard but check before you go as they may have restrictions or charges in place.

You should separate any plasterboard from any general waste and dispose of it separately.

Alternatively, you can hire a licensed waste disposal company to come and remove the plasterboard for you.

Can you burn plasterboard?

You should not burn plasterboard. Burning harmful household waste can result in thick, odorous smoke which could travel across roads and cause accidents. 

By burning plasterboard, you are releasing harmful gypsum particles into the air that act as toxic fumes.

Safely dispose of plasterboard at a household waste recycling centre or arrange for it to be collected by a licensed waste carrier to be recycled and restored correctly.

Can I put plasterboard in a skip?

No, you cannot place plasterboard in a skip. 

Plasterboard is banned from being placed in landfill anywhere in the UK and any plasterboard placed within a skip will be refused by the hire company.

When mixed with biodegradable waste, gypsum, a mineral within the plasterboard, creates a toxic and poisonous hydrogen sulphide gas.

Plasterboard can become harmful if placed and disposed of in a skip.

How can I use old plasterboard?

Gypsum is a mineral that is commonly used as fertiliser and compost. Gypsum from plasterboard can also be used in composting products. Most gypsum plasterboard is suitable for composting however it should not be painted or coated.

Plasterboard off-cuts can be recycled to create new plasterboard. During the recycling process, the plasterboard is broken down and the gypsum powder is separated. Recycled gypsum powder is then mixed with new gypsum to create new plasterboard. 

If you have excess plasterboard, you can save it for a future project. Keep the plasterboard flat in a waterproof location. If the plasterboard becomes wet, it cannot be salvaged again once dry and will need replacing.

Responsible Rubbish Removal

HIPPO is a responsible business which conforms to the legislation and also actively pursues partnerships with waste recycling centres that share our commitment to recycling. You can learn more about our responsible and reliable waste disposal process here.

No matter how much household or garden waste you need to dispose of, our range of HIPPOBAGs, Skip Hire and Man & Van services means that there’s always a convenient, cost-effective and reliable rubbish removal solution that works for you.